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acquisition

noun/ˌækwɪˈzɪʃən/

definition

the act of gaining possession or control of something

example

The company's recent acquisition of a smaller startup has significantly expanded its market reach.

synonyms
procurementattainmentgain
word origin — from Latin 'acquisitio', from 'acquirere' meaning 'to acquire'

TOEFL Vocabulary — Set 87

Set 87 of TOEFL Vocabulary covers 5 words: acquisition, adherence, bureaucracy, sequence, scar. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

  1. acquisition · noun/ˌækwɪˈzɪʃən/

    the act of gaining possession or control of something

    The company's recent acquisition of a smaller startup has significantly expanded its market reach.

    Synonyms: procurement, attainment, gain

    Origin: from Latin 'acquisitio', from 'acquirere' meaning 'to acquire'

  2. adherence · noun/ədˈhɪrəns/

    the act of sticking to or following something firmly

    The doctor's strict adherence to safety protocols ensured the well-being of all patients during the procedure.

    Synonyms: attachment, allegiance, compliance

    Origin: from Latin 'adherentia', meaning 'sticking to', from 'adhaerere' which means 'to stick to'

  3. bureaucracy · noun/bjʊəˈrɑːkrəsi/

    a system of government or management in which decisions are made by state officials rather than by elected representatives

    The newly elected officials promised to streamline the bureaucracy, reducing the layers of red tape that hindered effective governance.

    Synonyms: administration, management, red tape

    Origin: The term 'bureaucracy' comes from the French word 'bureau' meaning 'desk' or 'office' and the Greek word 'kratos' meaning 'power' or 'rule'.

  4. sequence · noun/ˈsiː.kwəns/

    a particular order in which related events, movements, or things follow each other

    The sequence of events leading up to the decision was meticulously documented to ensure transparency.

    Synonyms: series, order, progression

    Origin: from Latin 'sequentia', which means 'a following' or 'a sequence'; from 'sequi' meaning 'to follow'.

  5. scar · noun/skɑr/

    a mark left on the skin after the healing of a wound

    After the accident, he was left with a deep scar on his arm that reminded him of the incident.

    Synonyms: mark, blemish, lesion

    Origin: From Old Norse 'skari', meaning 'to cut, slice'.